Central Asian Countries Discuss Labour Migration With European Officials

European and Central Asian officials gathered in Tashkent to examine labour shortages and legal migration systems. Low birth rates and ageing populations have reduced workforce size across Europe, creating shortages in agriculture, construction, healthcare and services.

A regional director for Europe and Central Asia at the International Organization for Migration said European economies were already feeling the impact of demographic decline.

Remittances sent by migrant workers continue to support household spending, housing and small business investment in countries of origin. European governments are focusing on legal recruitment systems and bilateral agreements to address workforce gaps while reducing irregular migration.

A director general of the Employment Service of Slovenia said labour migration had become an economic necessity for many European countries.

Uzbekistan reports more than 1.2 million citizens working abroad, with remittances reaching nearly $19 billion in 2025. Authorities are expanding language education, vocational training and formal recruitment partnerships with foreign employers. A deputy director of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency said the country had established labour cooperation agreements with more than 40 countries.

The system includes pre-departure preparation, professional training, language education, legal employment abroad and reintegration support upon return. Italian agricultural organisations are working with Uzbek authorities on recruitment and training programmes.

A vice president of Confagricoltura of Italy said workers receive language and cultural training before departure.

European and Central Asian officials said the main goals include reducing risks linked to irregular migration, such as labour exploitation and recruitment fraud. A Swiss ambassador to Uzbekistan said Swiss-supported programmes focus on safe and regulated migration systems.

The ambassador added that many migrants remain vulnerable to fake job offers and fraudulent recruitment schemes. Officials at the forum said legal migration systems, workforce training and international cooperation are becoming increasingly important as Europe’s labour shortages deepen.